2008-21

Underwater canyon mapping reveals more seafloor secrets

This diagram shows cross-section views of the Moeraki/Haast channel system.

NIWA scientists have completed another successful voyage to the west coast of the South Island to study the enormous underwater canyon system in the area.
During the 15-day voyage, RV Tangaroa crossed the canyons region collecting mulitbeam bathymetry to map two tributary systems of the Cook/Hokitika canyon system and an additional 400 kilometres of the Moeraki/Haast canyon system.

Modelling shellfish larval dispersal

Models of cockle larvae distribution from a shallow, sheltered site in Whangarei Harbour (left) and close to main channel (right).

NIWA scientists are developing models to predict how shellfish larvae disperse.